India’s seafood export sector is facing turbulent waters following a steep decline in shipments to the United States, its largest export market, due to a sharp rise in import tariffs. The industry has called for urgent market diversification, value addition, and technology-driven innovation to safeguard its future growth.
The issue dominated discussions at the Industry Meet held alongside the fourth International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems (MECOS 4) at the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi. Experts, exporters, and policymakers stressed the need for immediate structural reforms to offset the impact of new US duties and maintain India’s competitiveness in global seafood trade.
📉 Exports Decline, Duties Surge
The US accounts for nearly one-third of India’s seafood exports. In 2024–25, India exported 1.69 million tonnes of seafood worth ₹62,408.45 crore ($7.45 billion). Of this, exports to the US were valued at $2.71 billion, maintaining its position as India’s top market, followed by China ($1.27 billion), the EU ($1.12 billion), and Southeast Asia ($974.99 million).
However, exports to the US dropped by 6% between April and September 2025, following the imposition of new tariffs that raised the effective duty to 59.71% — including 5.76% countervailing and 3.96% anti-dumping duties.
“The effective tariff now stands at 58.26%, severely denting India’s competitiveness in its top export destination,” said Ram Mohan, Director of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
Meanwhile, exports to China, Vietnam, and Thailand recorded substantial growth, signalling a shift in India’s seafood trade focus towards Asian markets.
🧠 Call for Innovation and Value Addition
Industry experts emphasised the need for India to move beyond bulk raw exports and adopt high-value processing strategies.
“A robust technology-driven startup ecosystem is required, integrating researchers, technologists, and policymakers to drive innovation,” said Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR–CIFT.
They highlighted the potential of value-added products such as breaded squid rings, surimi-based items, and ready-to-eat seafood fillets, which could fetch higher returns and reduce dependence on a few markets.
🌍 Government Push for Market Expansion
Following the announcement of tariffs under the Trump administration, the Indian government has intensified efforts to expand seafood exports to new markets.
Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Lalan recently stated that markets in the European Union and Russia offer significant untapped potential for Indian seafood, and consultations with exporters are underway to accelerate entry.
At present, India’s value-added seafood exports total $742 million, trailing behind major competitors such as China, Thailand, Vietnam, Ecuador, and Indonesia.
Industry leaders also urged the government to create exclusive aquaculture zones, fast-track Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and strengthen sustainability and traceability standards to regain global competitiveness.
🦐 Shrimp Sector Under Strain
The shrimp industry, which makes up the bulk of India’s seafood exports, has been the hardest hit by the tariff hikes.
“The US has long been India’s biggest market for shrimp exports. The new tariff regime, combined with sustainability challenges, has disrupted trade flows and affected export earnings,” said A. J. Tharakan, President of the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI).
As the industry navigates changing global trade dynamics, the focus now shifts to building resilience through diversified markets, sustainable aquaculture, and technological advancement.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
